GREEK goalkeeper Nik Michopoulos could be back to thwart Burnley next season.

Michopoulos is back in his homeland licking his wounds after being one of the unlucky 13 released by the Clarets this summer.

But Michopoulos, 33, wants one last hurrah in England before hanging up his gloves to begin a career with the Fire Service in Salonika.

And the 33-year-old stopper has set alarm bells ringing by revealing the chase for his signature among some of the Clarets' first division rivals is hotting up.

Michopoulos, who spent the tail end of last season trying to put out fires as the last line of Burnley's battered defence, said: " I hope to be playing back in England next season.

"It was disappointing to be released by Burnley, but I know they have big financial problems and I respect that.

"I left the club on good terms though and it would be fantastic to go back to Turf Moor again next season and thank everyone for making me so welcome.

"At the moment I am trying to find a new club and there have been some offers from the English First Division.

"But the money side still needs to be sorted out before anything can be confirmed."

Michopoulos plans to carry on playing for two more years before taking up the offer of a career change from the Greek footballing authorities as a reward for his service.

He explained: "The Greek FA reward players who have played for the national team with a good job and so once my playing career is over I will become a fireman.

"It is a career that interests me greatly."

Meanwhile, Burnley Football Club have announced plans for the traditional annual Open Day at Turf Moor to launch the new season.

Supporters will get the chance to see the new-look Clarets' squad put through their paces at a specially arranged training session on Saturday July 19, ahead of their departure to compete in the Isle of Man Steam Packet Football Festival just 24 hours later.

As ever, fans will also be able to enjoy ground tours on a full day of activities both in and around the ground.

Burnley FC Marketing Manager, Edoardo Abis, said: "We know that the open day has been popular with the fans for the last few years and we want this year's to be even better than before."

The open day will run from 10am to 2pm.